Valve and tank enclosure assembly

ABSTRACT

A valve and tank enclosure assembly for use on a snowplow that includes a frame, a valve assembly, a tank, and a cover. The frame and cover of the enclosure cooperate to provide a seal from water spray. Hydraulic lines within the enclosure are routed such that moisture is prevented from contacting the valve assembly. The tank is mounted within the frame at three-locations and elevated so that forces from vehicle operation are isolated from acting upon the tank. The assembly also includes a pivoting shelf supporting the valve assembly, the pivoting shelf providing wide-open access to the valve assembly from a range of directions.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The principles disclosed relate to the operation of hydrauliccontrols for vehicle equipment. More particularly, this disclosureconcerns a hydraulic valve and tank enclosure for use on a heavy-dutysnowplow.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A wide variety of arrangements have been utilized to operatehydraulic power units of heavy-duty vehicle equipment. Commonarrangements for use on a snowplow include an enclosed valve assembly,including a tank or reservoir for containing hydraulic fluid, that isexternally mounted to the frame of the snowplow.

[0003] In general, improvement has been sought with respect to sucharrangements, generally to: better accommodate ease of maintenance andrepair, improve sealing and moisture control aspects, improve structuralintegrity of the reservoir, and provide adaptability for use on avariety of vehicle sizes.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, the disclosure describes a valve and tankenclosure assembly including a reservoir, a valve assembly, and anenclosure. The enclosure includes a frame and a cover.

[0005] In preferred constructions, the enclosure and tank provide a gapor channel therebetween. The channel functions in cooperation with edgesof the cover to provide a passive seal or labyrinth for preventing roadspray from directly entering the enclosure. Preferably, the valve andtank enclosure also includes a hydraulic line and cabling arrangementthat prevents moisture from contacting the valve assembly components.

[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a three-pointtank-mounting arrangement having a triangular configuration that reducesmechanical stresses due to operation of the vehicle. Preferably thetank-mounting arrangement includes mounting brackets which also providea space between the bottom surface of the reservoir and the frame.

[0007] In yet a further aspect, the disclosure describes a pivotingshelf that provides a user with selective access to the valve assemblycomponents and fittings from a range of directions.

[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is front perspective view of the valve and tank enclosureassembly according to the principles disclosed including a valvemanifold and a pivoting shelf;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a frame ofthe valve and tank enclosure assembly of FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of areservoir of the valve and tank enclosure assembly of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a side view of the reservoir illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the reservoir illustrated in FIG. 4;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of thevalve and tank enclosure assembly similar to FIG. 1, this embodimentillustrating an alternative valve arrangement and cabling connections;

[0015]FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of yet another embodiment of thevalve and tank enclosure assembly similar to FIG. 1 illustrating anothervalve manifold arrangement and an angled pivoting shelf configuration;

[0016]FIG. 8 is a side view of the valve and tank enclosure of FIG. 1with the pivoting shelf in an upright position and showing hydraulicline connections;

[0017]FIG. 9 is a side view of the valve and tank enclosure of FIG. 8with the pivoting shelf opened;

[0018]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cover used inaccordance with the principles disclosed;

[0019]FIG. 11 is a side perspective view showing the cover of FIG. 10assembled with the valve and tank enclosure assembly of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken from the line 12-12 ofFIG. 11;

[0021]FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the valve and tank enclosureassembly, according to the principles disclosed, mounted on a snowplow;and

[0022]FIG. 14 is a side perspective view illustrating a partial valveand tank enclosure assembly without a cover mounted on the frame of avehicle, according to the principles disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] With reference now to the various figures in which identicalelements are numbered identically throughout, a description of variousexemplary aspects of the present invention will now be provided.

[0024]FIGS. 1, 11, and 13 illustrate a valve and tank enclosure assembly10 for use on heavy-duty equipment such as a snowplow according to theprinciples of this disclosure. The valve and tank assembly 10 includes atank mounting bracket or frame 12, a tank or reservoir 14, a manifold orvalve assembly 16, and a cover 38. The illustration of FIG. 1 depictsthe valve and tank enclosure assembly 10 without the cover 38. Theillustration of FIG. 11 depicts the valve and tank enclosure 10 with thecover 38. The illustration of FIG. 13 depicts the valve and tankenclosure 10 mounted on a heavy-duty snowplow. The valve and tankenclosure assembly 10 (as shown in FIG. 1) comprises generally aninterior upper region 26 and an interior lower region 28.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, the frame 12 is arranged in a shelf-likebracket configuration including a bottom frame structure 18, opposingfirst and second side structures 20, 22 and a rear frame structure 24.Opposing first and second side structures 20, 22 define a verticallength L1 that extends from a top edge 30 to a bottom edge 32. Thebottom edge 32 joins the bottom frame structure 18 and the opposing sidestructures 20, 22. The rear frame structure 24 is joined to the opposingfirst and second side structures 20, 22 and, in the illustratedembodiment, to the bottom frame structure 18 to form the frame 12. Edges100 a-100 f of the frame 12 define a perimeter 101.

[0026] As illustrated, the side structures 20, 22 of the frame 12 mayextend downward from the top edge 30 toward the bottom edge 32 at anangle α. As best shown in FIG. 1, this configuration provides lateralaccess to various components positioned in the upper region 26 of thevalve and tank enclosure assembly 10. Preferably, the angle α is acutewherein the top edge 30 has a length L2 that is less than a length L3 ofthe bottom edge 32 (FIG. 2).

[0027] The side structures 20, 22 may further include structure formounting the frame 12 onto the vehicle. In one embodiment, verticalflanges 36 extend from the top edge 30 to the bottom edge 32. Theflanges 36 may be attached by weldment to the side structures 20, 22 ofthe frame 12. Alternatively, a flange or flanges may be orientedhorizontally and correspond to another frame component such as the rearframe structure 24 or the bottom frame structure 18, for example.Additionally, the flanges may be an integral component of the sidestructure 20, 22 or a detachable component of the side structure 20, 22,rather than a weldment. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the flanges 36 mayalso include apertures for mounting the frame 12 of the valve and tankenclosure assembly 10 to the frame of a vehicle 11 with mechanicalfasteners, such as bolts 23, for example.

[0028]FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one preferred construction of the tank orreservoir 14. The reservoir 14 contains hydraulic fluid used to operatehydraulic powered equipment on the vehicle. A significant amount of theweight of the overall unit comprises the tank 14 and its contents. Thereservoir includes a back wall 82, a bottom wall 84, a front wall 85having a curved region 86, a lower shelf 88, an upper shelf 90, andopposing sidewalls 92, 94. The front wall 85 extends downward from thelower shelf 88. Typically, the lower shelf 88 comprises a horizontalsurface 96 and the front wall 85 extends outwardly from the horizontalsurface 96 at an angle β of about 45 degrees to 90 degrees, preferablyabout 63 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle β of thefront wall 85 coincides with the angle α of the side structures 20, 22of the frame 12. In other words, the sidewalls 92, 94 of the reservoir14 in the preferred embodiment follow the angled configuration of theside structures 20, 22 of the frame 12 to accommodate lateral access tovarious components located in the upper region 26 of the valve and tankenclosure assembly 10.

[0029] The front curved region 86 of the front wall 85 curves to jointhe bottom wall 84 of the reservoir (best shown in FIG. 4). The curvedregion 86 comprises a radius r of about 0.1 inch to 10 inches,preferably about 2.5 inches. The configuration of the curved region 86accommodates hydraulic and cable routing as will be discussed later inthis disclosure.

[0030] Referring back now to FIG. 1, the reservoir 14 is mounted andsecured within the frame 12. Traditional tank mounting arrangementsexperience chronic leakage problems. Specifically, tanks or reservoirsof the prior art commonly use a tank mounting configuration that rigidlyaffixes the tank to a support structure. Mechanical stresses fromoperation of the vehicle cause cracking in the rigidly attached tankstructure. This problem leads to other problems associated with crackedand leaking tanks, and ultimately results in further time-consuming andcostly repairs.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the reservoir 14 inaccordance with the principles of this disclosure is mounted to thebottom frame structure 18 of the frame 12 at three points or locations50, 52, and 54. The mounting locations 50, 52, and 54 are positioned ina triangular configuration. The first mounting location 50 is locatedproximate the first sidewall 92 toward the front curved region 86 of thereservoir 14. The second mounting location 52 is located proximate thesecond sidewall 94 and aligned with the first mounting location 50. Thethird mounting location 54 is generally centered between the first andsecond mounting locations and located at the back wall 82 of thereservoir 14. Preferably the three mounting locations 50, 52, and 54 arethe only locations in which the reservoir 14 is mounted to the frame 12.

[0032] The reservoir 14 can be mounted or coupled to the frame 12 by avariety of coupling structures. As illustrated, one structure used tocouple the reservoir 14 to the frame 12 includes an L-bracket 56 havinga flange portion 62 and an extension portion 64. The extension portion64 of each bracket 56 provides a space or passageway 66 between thereservoir 14 and the bottom frame structure 18 of the frame 12 (FIG. 1).The L-brackets 56 may be adapted to elevate the reservoir 14 to providea predetermined passageway height H1. Other brackets or couplingstructures having a variety of structural configurations which provide apassageway 66 between the bottom frame structure 18 and reservoir 14 arecontemplated.

[0033] The three-point mounting configuration of this disclosureaddresses the problem in industry of cracking tank structures.Specifically, traditional arrangements fixedly secure the tank to asupport structure in at least four locations. These mountingarrangements create a rigid couple or link between the tank and thesupport structure. Vibrations and other torsional and transaxial forcesdue to operating the dump body over rough terrain or operating thevehicle at higher speeds, for example, cause mechanical stress to actupon the rigidly coupled tank structure. The mechanical stresses degradethe structural integrity of the tank and subsequently result in crackingand leakage.

[0034] The three-point mounting configuration isolates the reservoirfrom torsional loads. In particular, mounting the reservoir 14 to theframe 12 at only three points and in an elevated position permits theframe 12 to flex without transmitting this deflection to the reservoir14; thereby reducing stress loads and lessening the likelihood ofreservoir cracking.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the manifold or valveassembly 16 may comprise of a variety of valve assembly configurations.Individual valve components of the valve assembly 16 are operated bycabling connections 48 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) that selectively controlpressurized fluid communication from the reservoir 14 to hydraulicallyactuated components (not shown) on the vehicle. The pressurized fluid istransported by flexible hydraulic plumbing, hoses or lines 68 (shown inFIG. 1).

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the valve assembly 16 is securedto a support member or shelf 40. The shelf 40 is detachably secured tothe lower shelf 88 of the reservoir 14. As illustrated in FIG. 6, theshelf 40 may extend horizontally from the lower shelf 88. In analternative embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 7, the shelf 40′ mayextend from the lower shelf 88 at an angle γ. The angle of the shelf mayrange from 0 degrees, in which the valve assembly is mounted in ahorizontal orientation, to 90 degrees, in which the valve assembly ismounted in a vertical orientation. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG.7, the shelf 40′ extends upward at an angle of about 25 degrees to 45degrees. In an alternative embodiment, the shelf may extend downward toprovide better accessibility to different valve assembly configurations.

[0037] The shelf 40, as shown in FIG. 1, includes notches, cutouts, orapertures 72 sized to accommodate hydraulic lines 68, cabling 48, andassociated fittings or connections 102. The hydraulic lines 68 extendfrom the valve assembly 16, through apertures 72, and through thepassageway 66. Similarly, FIGS. 6 and 7 show cabling 48 coupled to thevalve assembly 16 and running from the valve assembly 16, throughapertures 72 in the shelf 40, and through the passageway 66. Althoughshown separately in various illustrations, the valve and tank enclosureassembly may include both hydraulic lines 68 and cabling 48 that extendthrough corresponding apertures 72.

[0038] The plumbing and cabling arrangement in accordance with theprinciples disclosed route the line and cable components downwardly fromthe valve assembly 16 and around the front curved region 86 of thereservoir 14. The front curved region 86 is curved to accommodate thelines 68 and cables 48 so that the lines and cables are not cut orsevered by a sharp edge. The front curved region 86 further aids inguiding the lines and cabling such that the bend radius of line andcable components is not exceeded. Exceeding the bend radius may resultin line or cable kinking.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 14, the hydraulic lines 68 andcabling 48 exit the assembly 10 through an opening 70 in the frame 12.It is contemplated that the opening 70 may extend along an entire lowerback edge 46 of the frame 12. Alternatively, first and second openings70, 70′ may be located in opposing side corners 104, 104′ of the frame12 as shown in FIG. 2. The arrangement of the lines 68 and the cabling48 and the location of the openings 70, 70′ reduce the overall envelopeof the valve and tank enclosure assembly 10. This configurationeliminates the necessity of accommodating line and cable components thatexit from the sides of enclosures, as found in traditional arrangements.The reduced envelope size of the valve and tank enclosure assembly 10therefore can be used on a wider variety of sized vehicles.

[0040] Routing the hydraulic lines 68 and the cabling 48 to exit fromthe bottom rear openings 70, 70′, in combination with the designed,upper region placement of the valve assembly 16 also provide a ‘passivesealing’ advantage. One problem in the industry concerns road sprayentering enclosure apertures located near moisture-susceptiblecomponents, such as the valve assembly. Typically, conventional designsinclude holes located on the sides of the enclosure through whichhydraulic lines and cabling are routed. To resolve the problem of roadspray entering these hole, conventional designs use bulkhead fittingsthat seal against the interior and exterior surfaces surrounding thehole. Bulkhead fittings not only increase the cost of the assembly, butalso require additional plumbing connections located within an alreadycramped enclosure making maintenance and repairs difficult.

[0041] In the disclosed arrangement, any moisture that may accumulatewill collect at the lower region 28 of the enclosure. The valve assembly16 is arranged in the upper region 26 of the valve and tank enclosureassembly 10 so that such moisture does not contact moisture-susceptiblecomponents. Further, the hydraulic lines and cabling exit the enclosurein the lower region. In this arrangement, even road spray that may enterthrough the opening is prevented from reaching moisture-susceptiblecomponents located in the upper region 26. Specifically, moisture cannottravel along the hydraulic lines 68 from the rear of the enclosuretoward the front of the enclosure, make a 90 degree bend to travel upthe hydraulic lines 68, and travel through the aperture 72 in the shelf40. Therein, the disclosed arrangement protects moisture-susceptiblecomponents, such as the valve assembly 16, from moisture contact.

[0042] Moreover, the openings 70, 70′ permit any moisture collectedwithin the lower region 28 of the valve and tank enclosure assembly 10to exit the enclosure assembly. The moisture is expelled or passivelydischarged through the openings 70, 70′. Additionally the openings 70,70′ aid to evaporate moisture by providing ventilation through theenclosure assembly. This ventilation advantage is further enhanced bythe ‘passive seal’ design, which will be discussed in further detailwith regards to the cover 38 and frame 12.

[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the shelf 40 contributes toprotecting moisture-susceptible components from moisture contact. Inaddition, the shelf 40 positions the valve assembly 16 for wide-openaccessibility. Arranging and positioning the valve assembly 16 in theupper region 26, in combination with the angled edges of the frame 12and reservoir 14, permit a maintenance person to access front valvecomponents 106 of the valve assembly 16 with only having to remove thefront cover 38 (cover 38 shown in FIG. 11).

[0044] The shelf 40 is fixedly coupled to arms 42. In the preferredembodiment, two arms are positioned on opposing ends 112, 114 of theshelf 40 (shown in FIG. 1). The arms 42 are connected to the sidewalls92, 94 of the reservoir 14 at pivot connections 44. The arms 42 areconfigured to permit the shelf 40 to swing or hinge downward and awayfrom the reservoir 14 without interfering with the reservoir 14 or frame12. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot connections 44 comprise pinconnections 116. Other pivoting connections known by those with skill inthe art are contemplated.

[0045] The valve assembly 16 and shelf 40 are shown in an uprightposition in FIG. 8. There is accessibility to the front valve components106 of the valve assembly 16 as well as the hydraulic lines, cabling,and associated fittings located beneath the shelf 40. FIG. 9 illustratesthe shelf 40 pivoted downwardly to a pivoted position that providesaccess to rear valve components 110 of the valve assembly 16. Thepivoted position also provides access to the hydraulic lines, cabling,and associated fittings from an alternative direction.

[0046] Many conventional arrangements include an assembly enclosure,mounted on the side of the vehicle, having hard-plumbed and fixedlymounted components. The hard-plumbed and fixedly mounted arrangementsrestrict access to the various mechanical and electrical components thatrequire periodic maintenance. Thus, routine maintenance operations areordinarily difficult to effect and often require disconnection andremoval of the entire valve assembly, for example. These conventionalarrangements make maintenance operations time consuming and expensive.

[0047] The arrangement according to the principles of this disclosureprovides access to all valve and fitting components of the valveassembly from a range of directions by selectively pivoting the shelf40. A maintenance person can therefore access the valve assembly 16without removing the entire valve assembly 16 from the shelf 40.Specifically, the shelf 40 can be oriented in an upright position (shownin FIG. 8) where the valve assembly 16 is exposed for accessibility tofront valve components 106 from a first direction 106′, to top valvecomponents 108 from a second direction 108′, and to side valvecomponents 118 from side directions 118′ (shown in FIG. 6). Pivoting theshelf 40 downward (shown in FIG. 9) orients the shelf 40 and valveassembly 16 to a position where the valve assembly 16 is exposed foraccessibility to top valve components 108 from the fourth direction108″, to side valve components 118 from another side direction (notshown), and to rear valve components 110 from a fifth direction 110″. Itis to be understood that the shelf 40 may be pivoted to a positionintermediate the positions shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In essence, thepivoting shelf 40 tips the valve assembly 16 in a range of shelforientations to provide access to the valve components from an evengreater range of directions.

[0048] In transition from an upright position to a pivoted position, thehydraulic lines 68 and cabling 48 follow the movement of the pivotingshelf 40. Movement of the hydraulic lines 68 and cabling 48 isaccommodated by the downwardly depending line and cable arrangement andthe passageway 66 between the reservoir 14 and the bottom framestructure 18 of the frame 12. In other words, the depending hydrauliclines and cabling arrangement, the reservoir mounting arrangement, andthe pivoting shelf work in conjunction to accommodate the translation orpivotal movement of the shelf 40 and valve assembly 16. This featurepermits a maintenance person to access any valve assembly componentwithout having to remove the lines, cables, or the valve assemblyitself.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 10, and 11, the cover 38 of the valveand tank enclosure assembly 10 protects the enclosed components fromroad spray or other environmental conditions. The cover 38 generallycomprises a front cover portion 74, opposing side cover portions 76, atop cover portion 78, and a bottom cover portion 80. Handles 34 areattached to the opposing side portion 76 of the cover 38 for removal orplacement of the cover 38. Cover attachments 122 are positioned on theside cover portions 76 to secure the cover 38 to correspondingattachment pieces 124 located on the side structures 20, 22 of the frame12. The illustrated attachments 122 comprise rubber fastener devices. Itis contemplated that attachments including, for example, attachmentshaving a lock mechanism or attachments comprising steel fasteners or acombination thereof can also be used to secure the cover 38 to the frame12.

[0050] As described earlier, the reservoir 14 is mounted within theframe 12. The arrangement is designed to formed a gap or channel 60between the frame 12 and the reservoir 14. The channel 60 extends alongthe perimeter of the frame 12. Edges 98 of the cover 38 fit within thechannel 60 to complete the valve and tank enclosure assembly 10.

[0051] The channel 60 cooperates with the edges 98 of the cover 38 tocreate a ‘passive seal’ or labyrinth 120, as shown in FIG. 12. Thelabyrinth 120 functions to prevent water spray from directly enteringinto the interior of the enclosure while permitting discharge ofmoisture from the interior of the frame to the environment.

[0052] To illustrate, during vehicle operation, road spray having asignificant amount of force acts upon the valve and tank enclosureassembly 10. Spray is prevented from directly entering the enclosure andcontacting the valve assembly 16 and fittings 102 by the maze orlabyrinth 120 through which the spray must travel to enter theenclosure. As shown by arrows, spray entering the enclosure from theenvironment is diverted along the channel 60. To access the internalcomponents, moisture would be required to travel a 180-degree turn (asshown by the dashed arrow). Moisture entering is rather directed downthe channel 60 and toward the lower region 28 of the enclosure assembly.Directing the moisture to the lower region 28 of the valve and tankenclosure assembly 10 prevents subsequent moisture contact withmoisture-susceptible components located in the upper region 26 (asdiscussed with regards to the hydraulic line and cabling arrangement).

[0053] In keeping with the principles of this disclosure, the sidestructures 20, 22 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, for example, mayinclude an aperture 58 for access to instrumentation. The channel 60 andsidewall 92 design of the reservoir 14 shield the valve assembly 14 fromroad spray and directs any entering moisture toward the lower region 28of the enclosure assembly 10. The arrangement of the valve assembly 16,the hydraulic lines 68, and the cabling 48 work in cooperation with theframe 12 and cover 38 to provide an overall arrangement that reduces oreliminates moisture problems found in conventional designs.

[0054] The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theprinciples disclosed. Since many embodiments can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed, theinvention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

I claim:
 1. A method of sealing a valve and tank enclosure, said methodcomprising the steps of: (a) providing an outer support structure, saidouter support member including: (i) a first member; (ii) a secondmember; and (iii) opposing side members; (A) said first, second, andopposing side members defining a perimeter; (b) providing an innerassembly; (c) arranging said inner assembly within said outer supportstructure to form a channel therebetween, said channel extending alongsaid perimeter of said outer support structure; (d) providing a cover;and (e) positioning said cover within said channel to prevent directpassage of environmental water spray and divert the environmental waterspray to an area where the water spray is passively discharged.
 2. Anenclosure assembly for use with hydraulic equipment, said enclosureassembly comprising: (a) a shelf bracket, said shelf bracket including:(i) a first member; (ii) opposing side members; and (iii) a secondmember extending between said opposing side members; (A) said first,second, and opposing side members defining a perimeter; (b) a valve andreservoir assembly secured within said shelf bracket; (c) a channeldefined by a space between said valve and reservoir assembly and saidshelf bracket, said channel extending along said perimeter of said shelfbracket; and (d) a cover having an edge, said edge positioned withinsaid channel; said cover edge and said channel arranged to prevent thepassage of environmental water spray into said enclosure assembly whilepermitting discharge of internal moisture out from said enclosureassembly.
 3. The enclosure assembly of claim 2, wherein said cover edgeand said channel form a labyrinth seal along said perimeter.
 4. Theenclosure assembly of claim 3, wherein said labyrinth seal comprises apathway having a 180-degree turn.
 5. A method of isolating a valveassembly from moisture contact, said method comprising the steps of: (a)providing a frame having a base surface, said frame having an openinglocated adjacent said base surface; (b) providing a reservoir coupled tosaid frame, said reservoir and said frame defining a space between saidreservoir and said base surface of said frame, said reservoir includinga horizontal support member to which the valve assembly is attached; (c)coupling at least one hydraulic line to the valve assembly by accessingthe valve assembly through at least one aperture in the horizontalsupport member; (d) extending said hydraulic line in a downwardlydirection toward said base surface to prevent moisture from travelingupward along said hydraulic line toward said valve assembly; (e)arranging said hydraulic line to extend through said space between saidreservoir and said base surface of said frame; and (f) arranging saidhydraulic line to exit said frame through said opening, said openingbeing located in a lower region of said frame to prevent moisture fromcontacting the valve assembly located in an upper region of said frame.6. A hydraulic arrangement for use on a vehicle, said hydraulicarrangement comprising: (a) a reservoir for containing a hydraulicfluid, said reservoir having a bottom surface; (b) a frame sized to atleast partially enclose said reservoir, said frame including: (i) a basesurface; and (ii) an opening adjacent to said base surface; (c) saidreservoir being coupled to said frame, said reservoir and said framedefining a space between the bottom surface of said reservoir and thebase surface of said frame; and (d) a valve assembly, said valveassembly including: (i) at least one hydraulic valve component; and (ii)at least one hydraulic line secured to said hydraulic valve component;(A) said hydraulic line extending downward from said hydraulic valvecomponent and through said space between the bottom surface of saidreservoir and the base surface of said frame; and (B) said hydraulicline exiting said frame through said opening.
 7. The hydraulicarrangement of claim 6, wherein said reservoir includes a front curvedregion, said front curved region accommodating the extension of saidhydraulic line from said hydraulic valve component through said spacebetween the bottom surface of said reservoir and the base surface ofsaid frame without structurally damaging said hydraulic line.
 8. Thehydraulic arrangement of claim 6, wherein the valve assembly includes aplurality of hydraulic valve components and a plurality of correspondinghydraulic lines, the plurality of hydraulic lines depending from saidplurality of hydraulic valve components.
 9. The hydraulic arrangement ofclaim 6, wherein the arrangement further includes cabling to actuate thehydraulic valve component, said cabling: (a) extending downward fromsaid hydraulic valve component and through said space between the bottomsurface of said reservoir and the base surface of said frame; and (b)exiting said frame through said opening.
 10. The hydraulic arrangementof claim 6, wherein said valve assembly is coupled to a pivoting shelf,said pivoting shelf operating to pivot said valve assembly downward andaway from said reservoir; said hydraulic line flexibly accommodating thepivotal movement of said pivoting shelf.
 11. The hydraulic arrangementof claim 10, wherein said pivoting shelf includes a first arm and asecond arm, said first and second arms each having a fixed end and apivoting end, said fixed ends of said first and said second arms beingfixedly attached to opposing sides of said pivoting shelf, and saidpivoting ends being pivotally attached to opposing sides of saidreservoir.
 12. The hydraulic arrangement of claim 10, wherein saidpivoting shelf includes apertures through which said hydraulic lineextends.
 13. A method of accessing a valve assembly of a hydraulicassembly unit, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing anenclosure assembly, said enclosure assembly including: (i) a reservoirin fluid communication with the valve assembly; (ii) a pivoting shelfupon which said valve assembly is coupled, said valve assembly having afront side, a rear side, and a top side; (iii) a detachable cover; (b)removing said detachable cover; and (c) selectively accessing said frontside, said rear side, and said top side of said valve assembly, withoutuncoupling said valve assembly from said pivoting shelf by pivoting saidshelf and said valve assembly to a selected orientation.
 14. The methodof accessing a valve assembly according to claim 13, said method furthercomprising the steps of: (a) accessing said front side and said top sideof said valve assembly from a first direction; (b) pivoting said shelfand valve assembly to a second orientation to expose said front side,said top side, and said rear side of said valve assembly for access froma second direction; and (c) pivoting said shelf and said valve assemblyto a third orientation to expose said top side and said rear side ofsaid valve assembly for access from a third direction.
 15. The method ofaccessing a valve assembly according to claim 14, wherein pivoting saidshelf and valve assembly from said first orientation to said thirdorientation angles said valve assembly approximately 90 degrees from anoriginating upright position.
 16. A method of flexibly securing ahydraulic reservoir to a support structure, said method comprising thesteps of: (a) coupling said reservoir at a first location to the supportstructure; (b) coupling said reservoir at a second location to thesupport structure; (c) coupling said reservoir at a third location tothe support structure; (i) said first, second, and third locationsdefining a triangular configuration; and (d) permitting the supportstructure to flex under torsional forces and substantially isolate thehydraulic reservoir from the torsional forces due to the triangularconfiguration defined by the first, second, and third locations.
 17. Ahydraulic reservoir enclosure assembly, comprising: (a) a reservoir forcontaining a hydraulic fluid, said reservoir having a front side and aback side; (b) a frame sized to at least partially enclose saidreservoir, said frame including: (i) a first side support structure;(ii) a second side support structure; and (iii) a bottom supportstructure extending between the first and second side supportstructures; and (c) a mounting arrangement coupling said reservoir tosaid bottom support structure of said frame, said arrangement consistingof: (i) a first mounting member; (ii) a second mounting member; (iii) athird mounting member; and (A) said first, second, and third mountingmembers being positioned in a triangular configuration.
 18. Thereservoir enclosure assembly of claim 17, wherein each of said first,second and third mounting members is a bracket, each of said bracketshaving: (a) an attachment flange; (b) an extension portion to offsetsaid reservoir from said bottom support structure to provide a spacetherebetween; and (i) said triangular configuration and said spaceisolating said reservoir from transaxial flexure.
 19. A valve and tankenclosure assembly, for use on a snowplow, said valve and tank enclosureassembly comprising: (a) a frame, said frame including: (i) a bottomsupport structure; (ii) a first side support structure and an opposingsecond side support structure; (iii) a rear support structure; and (iv)said bottom, rear, and opposing side structures joined to define apartial enclosure, said partial enclosure having a perimeter; (b) areservoir for containing hydraulic fluid, said reservoir including: (i)a bottom surface; (ii) a first, a second, and a third mounting locationarranged in a triangular configuration at the bottom surface of saidreservoir, said reservoir being placed at least partially within saidframe and coupled to said frame at said first, second, and thirdmounting locations such that a space is provided between said bottomsurface of said reservoir and said frame; (c) a pivoting shelf, saidpivoting shelf including: (i) a first arm and a second arm, each armincluding: (1) a fixed end wherein said fixed ends of said first andsaid second arms are fixedly attached to said pivoting shelf; and (2) apivoting end, wherein said pivoting ends of said first and said secondarms are coupled to said reservoir to selectively provide pivotalmovement of said pivoting shelf; (d) a valve assembly coupled to saidpivoting shelf, said valve assembly including: (i) at least onehydraulic valve component; and (ii) at least one hydraulic line; (1)said hydraulic line arranged to: (A) depend downwardly from saidhydraulic valve component through an aperture in said pivoting shelf;(B) bend around a curved region of said reservoir; (C) extend throughsaid space between said reservoir and said frame; (D) exit said framethrough an opening located near said rear and bottom support structuresof said frame; and (2) said hydraulic line flexibly arranged toaccommodate the pivotal movement of said pivoting shelf; (e) a channeldefined by a gap between said reservoir and said frame, said channelextending along said perimeter of said frame; and (f) a cover having anedge, said edge positioned to cooperate with said channel to provide adiverted pathway along said perimeter of said shelf bracket forpreventing the passage of water spray from the environment into saidenclosure assembly while permitting discharge of moisture from saidenclosure assembly to the environment.
 20. A snowplow operating system,said operating system comprising: (a) a snowplow having a frame, saidframe; (b) at least one hydraulic powered unit; (c) a pump; (d) a valveand tank enclosure assembly, said valve and tank enclosure assemblybeing mounted to said frame of said snowplow and in fluid communicationwith said pump and said hydraulic powered unit; said valve and tankenclosure assembly including: (i) an enclosure frame; (ii) a reservoir,said reservoir being mounted within said enclosure frame such that aspace is provided between said reservoir and said enclosure frame; (iii)a shelf pivotally coupled to said reservoir; (iv) a valve assemblycoupled to said shelf, said valve assembly including: (1) at least onehydraulic valve component; and (2) at least one hydraulic line, saidhydraulic line arranged to extend through said space provided betweensaid reservoir and said enclosure frame; (v) a channel defined by a gapbetween said reservoir and said enclosure frame, said channel extendingalong a perimeter of said enclosure frame; and (vi) a cover having anedge, said edge positioned to cooperate with said channel to provide adiverted pathway along said perimeter of said shelf bracket forpreventing the passage of water spray from the environment into saidvalve and tank enclosure assembly while permitting discharge of moisturefrom said valve and tank enclosure assembly to the environment.